While the project about the storied family feud had been in the works for years and other name stars had become attached and then unattached to the project, Costner says that his love of America’s past -- as demonstrated with his films Dances With Wolves and Wyatt Earp -- bonded him with the project.

"From the first page I started reading and understanding and I got lodged completely in the story," he told The Hollywood Reporter at its special screening of the series this past week.

"I was thrilled with the history of our country,” he continues. “Even when it borders on being embarrassing or violent or shameful, I'm still thrilled with the story of our country and the Hatfields and McCoys are part of that DNA."

Costner plays clan leader “Devil” Anse Hatfield, whose nickname may be the subject of some debate and he is portrayed as a man who reluctantly takes part in the interfamily warfare.

“It was a nickname and there’s a couple schools of thought of where it might of come from,” Costner, 57, said of his character’s moniker. “He hunted bears when he was really young. Another, he was such a clever guy in war. So, where the nickname came from, it’s not sourced where everyone agrees on, but that was a nickname, ‘Devil’ Anse.”